title: Application of transport phenomena analysis technique to cerebrospinal fluid.
abstract: The study of hydrocephalus and the modeling of cerebrospinal fluid flow have proceeded in the past using mathematical analysis that was very capable of prediction phenomenonologically but not well in physiologic parameters. In this paper, the basis of fluid dynamics at the physiologic state is explained using first established equations of transport phenomenon. Then, microscopic and molecular level techniques of modeling are described using porous media theory and chemical kinetic theory and then applied to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics. Using techniques of transport analysis allows the field of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics to approach the level of sophistication of urine and blood transport. Concepts such as intracellular and intercellular pathways, compartmentalization, and tortuosity are associated with quantifiable parameters that are relevant to the anatomy and physiology of cerebrospinal fluid transport. The engineering field of transport phenomenon is rich and steeped in architectural, aeronautical, nautical, and more recently biological history. This paper summarizes and reviews the approaches that have been taken in the field of engineering and applies it to CSF flow.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Neurosurgery University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA - lamxx023@umn.edu.
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hubel
mesh_terms: D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000503:physiopathology; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000503:physiopathology; D057446:Hydrodynamics; D008954:Models, Biological